beseem

American

[bih-seem] / bɪˈsim /

verb (used with object)

to be fit for or worthy of; become.

conduct that beseems a gentleman.

verb (used without object)

to be suitable or fitting.

beseem British

/ bɪˈsiːm /

verb

archaic to be suitable for; befit

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

unbeseeming adjective

Etymology

Origin of beseem

First recorded in 1175–1225, beseem is from the Middle English word bisemen. See be-, seem

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Surely 'twould ill beseem me ought from the stores to take.

From The Nibelungenlied Revised Edition by Unknown

And Maud saith— “Prithee, Jack, take no airs, for they beseem thee but very ill.”

From In Convent Walls The Story of the Despensers by Irwin, M. (Madelaine)

You attract others to the Swedish side, for you are an envoy of Sweden," said Kmita; "it does not beseem you to act otherwise, though in your soul who knows what you think?

From The Deluge, Vol. II. (of 2) An Historical Novel of Poland, Sweden, and Russia. by Sienkiewicz, Henryk

Does it beseem a grown-up man like you to be as disobedient as a capricious child?

From The Slaves of the Padishah by J?kai, M?r

Then the servant answered: "All this I know; but we have fared so ill in this house that mirth and laughter ill beseem us."

From Heroines That Every Child Should Know Tales for Young People of the World's Heroines of All Ages by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023